Majority of Moroccans reject LGBT rights, survey reveals

A recent survey conducted by Afrobarometer has unveiled striking insights into Moroccan societal attitudes towards homosexuality and political engagement. The 2024 findings reveal that nearly 80% of Moroccans consider homosexuality deviant, showcasing a profound rejection of LGBT identities. Only 2.5% of respondents expressed any degree of acceptance, highlighting the prevailing cultural norms that shape views on sexual orientation and gender expression.

Religious identity remains overwhelmingly uniform in Morocco, with an astounding 99.9% identifying as Muslim. The survey indicates that secular or non-religious perspectives are virtually nonexistent, as only 0.1% of respondents declared themselves atheists. This homogeneity places Morocco among the most religiously uniform societies globally, where alternative identities face significant societal challenges.

While Moroccans exhibit strong digital connectivity — over 96% own mobile phones and 80% access the internet — political disillusionment is palpable. The survey reported that over 81% of respondents feel disconnected from any political party, with only 9% indicating party affiliation. Trust in political institutions remains low, as approval ratings for parties barely reach 15%.

Current head of government Aziz Akhannouch faces increasing disapproval, with nearly 38% of respondents expressing complete distrust in his leadership. Additionally, 44% believe the government has failed to improve conditions for the poor, while 36.1% rated job creation efforts as “very poor.” Corruption allegations further erode public confidence, with 45% of citizens suspecting that most parliamentarians engage in corrupt practices.

Support for capital punishment is notably strong, with 70.4% backing its application for serious crimes, such as murder. Conversely, only 25% believe that no crime justifies the death penalty. Interestingly, public confidence in the judiciary remains relatively high, with over 68% of Moroccans placing complete trust in the courts.

On the international front, approximately 60% of respondents support Morocco's neutrality regarding the Russia-Ukraine conflict, while a mere 5% advocate for backing Russia. The desire for emigration is modest, as 55% of Moroccans have never contemplated leaving their country. Among those considering emigration, economic factors, including better job opportunities, dominate their motivations.

In terms of reproductive rights, opinions are divided. While 33.6% believe that abortion is justified when a woman's health is at risk, 33% oppose it even in cases of rape or incest, and 56% reject it due to financial hardships. Civic participation is also a pressing concern, with 76% of citizens advocating for their opinions to be considered in public policy decisions, challenging unilateral governance.

Looking ahead to the upcoming legislative elections, a significant portion of the electorate appears disengaged, with 34.1% indicating they will not vote. Among those who are decided, support remains fragmented, with 4% backing the Istiqlal Party and 3.8% each for the Justice and Development Party and the Authenticity and Modernity Party.

As these findings illustrate, Morocco stands at a crossroads, grappling with deep-seated cultural beliefs and a populace eager for meaningful political representation.